Beyoncé, one of the most iconic and influential artists in the music industry, has found herself at the center of yet another controversy, this time over accusations of choreography theft. Known for her flawless dance moves that have inspired dance routines around the world, the Single Ladies hitmaker is now facing claims that she borrowed one of her signature moves from a rather unexpected source — the British boy band 911.
The dance move in question is none other than the famous booty shake, which has become one of Beyoncé’s most recognizable and iconic moves. However, according to members of 911, the move was not something that Beyoncé created on her own. In a BBC documentary titled Boybands Forever, the Nineties group boldly stated that they were the ones who taught Beyoncé this signature dance move.
911, a band that achieved major success in the UK during the late 1990s, was known for their hit singles and catchy dance routines. The band, which consisted of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable, and Simon “Spike” Dawbarn, earned recognition with several chart-topping hits and high-energy performances. One of their most notable tracks, “Bodyshakin'” from 1997, became an anthem for shaking it on the dance floor, with the band’s energetic moves captivating audiences.
It was during a TV appearance with Destiny’s Child that the members of 911 claim they introduced Beyoncé to the now-famous booty shake. Spike Dawbarn recalled that when the band performed “Bodyshakin'” on the show, Beyoncé was so impressed by their unique move that she asked them to demonstrate it for her. “There’s something about that move… we did a TV show with Destiny’s Child. We performed and we did Bodyshakin’ and Beyoncé was like ‘show us that move! Keep doing it,’” Spike shared in the documentary.
Dawbarn went on to explain that, given the chance, Beyoncé was eager to learn the move. “So, when you watch Beyoncé videos doing the booty shake, I’m like ‘ah, she robbed it! We did it first!’” he added with a sense of playful pride, claiming that 911 should get credit for originating the iconic choreography.
While Spike’s statement might seem lighthearted, it brings attention to a recurring pattern of accusations Beyoncé has faced regarding choreography. This is not the first time the superstar has been accused of borrowing moves. Back in 2011, Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker accused Beyoncé of copying several of her dance moves in the video for her hit single Countdown. De Keersmaeker’s legal team claimed that the similarities between the two dances were undeniable, prompting widespread media coverage and a discussion about the line between inspiration and imitation in the dance world.
The accusations against Beyoncé over choreography have sparked debates within the entertainment industry and among her loyal fans. While many argue that artists borrow from one another and build upon existing ideas, others feel that Beyoncé’s influence and popularity should come with a level of accountability for the moves she incorporates into her performances. Beyoncé has not directly addressed the most recent accusations involving 911, and it’s unclear how she will respond to the claim from Spike Dawbarn.
Despite the controversy, there is no denying Beyoncé’s immense impact on the music and dance worlds. Her choreography is studied and admired by dancers everywhere, and her performances continue to be a gold standard of excellence. As for 911, they remain proud of their contribution to dance history and have made it clear that they are happy to see their influence reflected in Beyoncé’s work, even if they feel they deserve a bit more recognition for it.
Whether or not Beyoncé “borrowed” the famous booty shake, the move has undeniably become a hallmark of her style and persona. As the conversation around choreography theft continues to evolve, one thing is certain — Beyoncé’s influence on pop culture remains as strong as ever. From Single Ladies to Crazy in Love, her dance routines will continue to be dissected, admired, and sometimes, questioned. But for now, the legendary booty shake remains undeniably associated with Queen Bey, even if 911 claims it as their own.
As the debate continues, it highlights the blurred lines in the world of choreography and performance, where inspiration and imitation often intertwine. Whether Beyoncé created it herself or learned it from 911, the dance move has become a symbol of her unmatched talent and cultural impact.
